Milton couple completes America’s Great Loop

Joe and Mary Bell of Milton received their BaccaLOOPerate degree from America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. The degree is given in recognition of completing one of the world’s most unique adventures, America’s Great Loop. Boaters doing the Great Loop are on a 6,000-mile journey that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada, cruising up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, through the New York State Canals, into the Great Lakes, down the inland river system, across the Gulf of Mexico, and around the southern tip of Florida. 

The Bells completed the Great Loop aboard their Silverton 43 Sport Bridge powerboat, Funintended. In addition to facing the challenges inherent to long-distance cruising, the couple enjoyed unparalleled views of the U.S. and Canada from the distinct vantage point of the water’s edge.

"This has been an incredible journey for both of us,” they said. “We would like to thank all of the loopers we have met, harbor hosts who have welcomed and advised, dock masters who held information forums, harbor masters who advised on weather, Alan Lloyd, Skipper Bob and, of course, the AGLCA. Without you, our trip would have been lonely and scary. We hope that those who have completed their journey continue to hold fond memories and that those in process have safe sailing and as much fun as we had."

About 150 boats complete the Great Loop each year, making it a feat more rare than swimming the English Channel or climbing Mount Everest. Throughout this trip of a lifetime, the Bells relied on America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association to provide information and assistance vital to the successful completion of their journey.

For more information on America’s Great Loop, call 1-877-GR8-LOOP (478-5667), go to GreatLoop.org or email info@greatloop.org.